The introduction of Improtech Soccer into the Walker Riverside Academy in Newcastle gives the company the opportunity to make the most of the rich seam of young footballing talent on Tyneside.

With its own 3G pitch and high-quality facilities throughout on the back of major investment, Walker Riverside is a showpiece school that Improtech is proud to be involved with.

The launch of the new Academy was welcomed by Newcastle United local hero Lee Clark, who grew up not much further than a goal kick or two from the Waverdale Avenue school.

“I wish there had been something like this here when I was a lad,” he said. “The chance to focus on and develop your football skills inside school – how great is that?

Celebrating the new Improtech Football Academy at Walker Riverside, with former Newcastle United player Lee Clark.

“For young players across Tyneside dreaming of one day becoming a professional footballer, there will now be the chance to chase that dream at school with professional football coaching while also getting an education.”

Clark who played more than 200 games for Kevin Keegan’s Magpies, said: “Newcastle and the North East has always been a hotbed of football, and Academies like this will help make the most of that talent.

“It’s good for the area, it’s good for the city but most of all it’s good for the young players who have this opportunity.

”The North East has always been a place where good young players emerge, but I think we could get even more players coming through with football academies of this quality.

“It can only improve the chances of young players from the city making the most of their game.”

Assistant headteacher Gareth Smith, who has been instrumental in the launch of the new soccer academy, said: “It’s a bold step for the school but the right one and our partnership with Improtech means we are getting a proven football academy system that has been shown to deliver results.